Black Crows Camox Freebird Ski - Men's

Recommended Sizing Guide

Your ski size is largely determined by both your skiing ability and your preferred style of skiing. For example, an expert skier in Vermont will ski a far different ski than an expert in British Columbia. So take a look at our chart and explanations and find your perfect fit. Your weight also plays a large factor in finding the right ski. If you are either under or over average weight for your height consider downsizing or upsizing, respectively.

Men's Alpine Skis

Big-Mountain Freeride

Backcountry Jib

All-Mountain

Park & Pipe

All-Mountain Carve

Pro

180 - 200cm

180 - 190cm

180 - 190cm

175 - 185cm

175 - 185cm

Expert

170 - 180cm

175 - 185cm

170 - 180cm

160 - 180cm

170 - 185cm

Intermediate

160 - 180cm

160 - 180cm

160 - 180cm

160 - 180cm

160 - 175cm

Entry Level

N/A

N/A

150 - 170cm

150 - 170cm

150 - 170cm

SKILL LEVEL EXPLANATIONS

Pro: Excels on any terrain, on any snow condition. Enjoys high speeds.

Because you refuse to be caged.

When you think of a ski resort, you think of endless lift lines, 50 dollar cheeseburgers, and lift ticket prices that are into triple digits. If this sounds like prison to you, may we suggest that you step into the Black Crows Camox Freebird Ski and find some sanctuary deep in the backcountry. Since escaping crowds and finding the best backcountry lines means that you're going to have to put some extra miles beneath your skins, you'll appreciate the Camox's lightweight construction and mid-fat width that thrives on everything from mid-winter pow to hardpack and spring corn.

Built on the same platform of Black Crows' Camox ski, the Freebird version sheds weight thanks to a lightweight paulownia, poplar core and a semi-cap construction, which combines the power of ABS sidewalls underfoot with a lightweight cap construction in the tip and tail of the ski. The Camox may be a touring ski, but it isn't all about making tightly-linked turns down mellow slopes. Its rockered tip and wide shovel give it plenty of float to surf through powder, while the slightly raised tail gives it the ability to pivot in tight spots, without making it feel washy on the hardpack. The 97mm waist moves quickly and easily from edge-to-edge, which is good because long tours and big descents have a way of wearing legs down.

Frequently purchased together

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Some sweet, sweet skis!

Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Before buying these skis, I skied on Volkl Ones -- so full rocker, twin-twipped pow skis. The Camox Freebird are pretty much different in every way, but they were still so much fun to ski on. I haven't taken them in the backcountry yet because of super sketchy conditions right now, but I took them on a full-day in the resort on mainly groomers. So, not an ideal place to try out the ski, but not bad. And, let me tell you, I already love these skis. Carving was so easy, it was easy to switch from edge to edge and they are so light and strong, I wasn't feeling tired at all after a full-day of skiing.

They definitely aren't nearly as playful as other skis that I've used, but they were still fun to hit little kickers on the side of groomers. Overall, I really liked them. Can't wait to take them out in the backcountry!

Laura Boyer

review on April 1, 2017

Maiden Voyage, First Impressions

Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

I purchased these for spring ski touring/ski mountaineering

Took them out for a lift assisted touring day to test them out. So this is an intro and first impression review. I will update after more use.

Length - 178cm - They are comparatively shorter than the rest of the 178 skis I own, by about 2 CM or so - which was really a bonus for me, as I wanted a slightly shorter touring ski anyway.

Mounting - I decided to mount them 2 cm back from the recommended line. Perhaps it's my light racing and east coast background, but I had found another pair of 178s with a more forward mount point to have obnoxiously long tails. I also have short legs when it comes to kick turns and wanted to help myself out there, too. Since the tails do not have a ton of rocker comparatively, I felt comfortable going back. Based on the one day maiden voyage, I'm happy with that decision so far! Even thinking I could have gone 3 back.

3 ascents - by comparison I have spent the last few years touring on a Black Diamond Megawatts (3rd gen orange/white cap construction, not carbon) and this was feeling nice and light and nimble on the ascent. Possibly wishing I had mounted 3cm back when it came time for kick turns in hard snow where it was hard to get the first tail dug under the other one, but it wasn't the end of the world. Definitely glad I went back though!

And then we skied some punchy wind/solar crust - really not ideal for testing, hey!? So I won't really comment on that!

The color - honestly, I was not at all stoked on a fire-engine red ski, but I bought it for the dimensions/performance/etc. For what it's worth, I was pleasantly surprised to find it more of a neon tomato-orange-red color.

Bindings - I mounted these up with the G3 Ion12 and I am REALLY stoked on the combo. ZERO ramp angle for the win! Helps tremendously if you do find yourself on a groomer, as well as helping your balance point in powder. I had gone through multiple Dynafits and then the Plum Guides. The Ions definitely ski the best so far, and I'm confident saying this after just one day. https://www.backcountry.com/g3-ion-binding-with-brakes

Re Wikstrom

review on March 5, 2017

Great Touring Ski for all Abilities

Familiarity: I've used it several times

These skis are great in almost all conditions. I have a about 15 days on them both inbounds and in the back country this year. They float well in powder, can hold an edge on ice and feel light on the climb. I can see some heavier skiers wanting it to be a bit stiffer ski. The top sheet is also pretty durable for a light weight ski. If I was going to complain about anything I wish they would use a black base color and make them a touch stiffer and I would give them a five star rating. Overall they are a great ski for almost every ability level skier.

Chris S

review on February 1, 2017

Great Touring Ski

Familiarity: I've used it several times

Overall an excellent ski! I have kingpins mounted on these, and I love skiing this set up inbounds and in the backcountry.

To me the best touring ski is something that is well balanced and versatile. I want a ski that can go fast, but doesn't have to, Is maneuverable, but fun to open up, fun to ski in pow, but inspires confidence on hardpack, is light enough to haul uphill, but can dampen out rough snow... you get the idea.

For me, the Camox Freebird does an excellent job of striking the balance between these factors and at a reasonable touring weight. It is very nimble and predictable. Has a speed limit especially on icy/hard groomers, but doesn't fall apart. Still looking forward to getting in some really big days in, but so far so good!

I'm 5'11" 165 lbs and I have the 178.

stender.mi756107

comment on February 16, 2017

Glad you're stoked on the ski, it's great working with you. Reach out when you're in the area!